8.30 - 11.00pm
£5 on the door
Art Themen, orthopaedic surgeon (now retired) and illustrious saxman, remains a firm favourite on the British jazz scene with a pedigree as long as Southend Pier. Art was involved in the early British blues movement with Alexis Korner’s All Stars, Jack Bruce’s Band and Long John Baldry’s Hoochie Coochie Men. He has played and recorded with the bands of Michael Garrick, Graham Collier, Don Weller and in 1974 began a long association with Stan Tracey. He also toured and recorded with Charlie Parker alumni, Red Rodney and Al Haig. On piano this evening a favourite regular of the club, Steve Melling. “Melling is one of the most comprehensively gifted of pianists, with a great technique and an abundance of ideas. He is also a great composer” - Ian Carr, Jazz the Rough Guide Vol 2.
